Despite Netanyahu’s claim of success, there are internal disagreements within the government and military, with tensions and challenges ahead.
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Haydar Oruç, a Middle East expert, discussed the impact of Yahya Sinwar’s assassination on Israeli politics. Sinwar, a Hamas senior leader, was killed by Israeli forces, perceived as a victory by most Israelis. Despite Netanyahu’s claim of success, there are internal disagreements within the Israeli government and military regarding the ongoing conflict. Tensions exist within the army, with some soldiers opposing Netanyahu’s leadership. While international leaders view Sinwar’s death positively, Oruç believes Palestinian resistance will persist beyond individual leaders. The complexity of the conflict suggests potential challenges for Netanyahu in maintaining military support and international alliances.
During a recent panel discussion, Haydar Oruç, a Middle East expert, offered insights into the effects of Yahya Sinwar’s assassination on Israeli politics. Sinwar, a senior leader of Hamas, was targeted and killed by Israeli forces, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
Israeli Reactions to Sinwar’s Death
Oruç highlighted that the majority of the Israeli public, aside from a small minority, viewed Sinwar’s death as a major victory. His assassination, alongside other key figures from Hamas and Hezbollah, reinforced a belief within Israel that the current war strategy was effective. After previous failures, such as the 2006 Hezbollah war, the Israeli military has reportedly learned from past mistakes. This time, many believe they are on a path to victory.
Netanyahu capitalized on the moment, delivering a public address where he claimed that Sinwar, responsible for orchestrating the October 7 attacks, had been captured and that Israel’s campaign against Hamas would continue. He appealed to Gaza’s residents, urging them to pressure Hamas to lay down arms and surrender unconditionally. Netanyahu’s narrative suggests that Israel’s efforts have weakened its enemies and restored national security.
Tensions within Israeli Politics and the Army
Despite Netanyahu’s confident stance, Oruç pointed to internal cracks within both the Israeli government and military. Netanyahu’s government, particularly the war cabinet, has faced internal disagreements, and voices from within the army have questioned the need for further attacks, especially given the ongoing hostage situation. Families of the hostages have been vocal in their criticism of Netanyahu, demanding a ceasefire to secure the release of their loved ones.
There are also allegations of divisions within the military, with reports of anti-Netanyahu sentiment among soldiers. Oruç referred to rumors of videos being leaked by soldiers opposing Netanyahu’s leadership. These tensions reflect a broader dissatisfaction, as some within Israel believe the country is becoming increasingly isolated on the global stage, with a need to shift focus from Gaza to the more significant threat posed by Iran.
International Reactions and Strategic Implications
Internationally, leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden and European figures have shared a sense of relief over Sinwar’s death, viewing it as a pivotal moment for peace in the region. However, despite this optimism from allies, Oruç argued that the resistance in Gaza is unlikely to end with Sinwar’s death. The cause, according to Oruç, transcends individual leaders, and the Palestinian resistance is expected to continue.
In conclusion, while the death of Yahya Sinwar has given Netanyahu a temporary victory, internal dissent within Israel, the army’s reservations, and the ongoing hostilities point to a far more complex and enduring conflict. The possibility of an anti-Netanyahu movement growing within the military remains, particularly if Israeli strategies continue to strain international alliances and the conflict drags on.
